From the Guidelines
Fatigue management in patients taking semaglutide should prioritize a multifaceted approach, including adequate hydration, balanced nutrition, gradual increase in physical activity, and consistent sleep patterns, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. To manage fatigue in patients taking semaglutide, several practical strategies can be employed.
- Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, as dehydration can worsen fatigue symptoms.
- Maintain regular, small meals with balanced nutrition, focusing on protein intake and complex carbohydrates to stabilize energy levels.
- Gradually increase physical activity as tolerated, starting with light exercise like walking.
- Establish consistent sleep patterns, aiming for 7-8 hours of quality sleep nightly.
- Monitor blood glucose levels regularly, as both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can contribute to fatigue.
- Consider timing semaglutide injections before bedtime if daytime fatigue is problematic.
- Supplement with electrolytes if experiencing gastrointestinal side effects that lead to electrolyte imbalances. Fatigue often improves after the initial adaptation period of 4-8 weeks as the body adjusts to the medication, as noted in studies examining the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss and glucose control 1. If fatigue persists or worsens, consult your healthcare provider, who may adjust the semaglutide dose, evaluate for other causes of fatigue such as anemia or thyroid dysfunction, or recommend specific supplements. The effects of semaglutide on slowing gastric emptying, reducing food intake, and the body's adaptation to metabolic changes and weight loss can contribute to fatigue, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive management plan 1. Given the potential for sex differences in the response to semaglutide and other treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity, healthcare providers should be aware of these differences and tailor their approach accordingly, although current evidence does not provide clear guidance on sex-specific management of fatigue in patients taking semaglutide 1.
From the Research
Fatigue Management in Patients Taking Semaglutide
- Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with type 2 diabetes, and managing it is crucial for overall health and well-being.
- Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is used to treat type 2 diabetes and has been shown to have a positive effect on weight loss and glycemic control 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, there is limited information available on the specific management of fatigue in patients taking semaglutide.
Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide
- Studies have shown that semaglutide is effective in reducing HbA1c levels and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes 2, 4.
- The SUSTAIN FORTE trial demonstrated that once-weekly semaglutide 2.0 mg was superior to 1.0 mg in reducing HbA1c and body weight, with a similar safety profile 2.
- Oral semaglutide has also been shown to induce loss of body fat mass without affecting muscle mass in patients with type 2 diabetes 4.
Weight Loss and Fatigue
- Weight loss is a common outcome of semaglutide treatment, and it may have a positive effect on fatigue levels 3, 5.
- However, the relationship between semaglutide-induced weight loss and fatigue is not well understood and requires further research.
Clinical Trials and Fatigue
- The SUSTAIN, PIONEER, and STEP clinical trial programs have demonstrated the efficacy of semaglutide in weight reduction and glycemic control 2, 5.
- However, these trials did not specifically investigate the effect of semaglutide on fatigue, and more research is needed to understand its impact on this symptom 2, 5.